APMA will host the 26th Annual Joint National CAC-PIAC Representatives’ Meeting on Friday, November 13, in Herndon, VA. CAC and PIAC representatives play a critical role in advocating for the podiatric profession, helping address Medicare and private payer policies that affect fair reimbursement and patient access to foot and ankle care. APMA gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Bako Diagnostics in making this year's meeting possible.
The political landscape in Washington has changed significantly: Democrats have gained control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. For APMA, the election results reinforce the importance of APMAPAC’s bipartisan engagement and building relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. More than 88 percent of APMAPAC-supported candidates on the ballot won their races, while several races involving supported candidates remain undecided.
APMA is disappointed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) continued efforts to oppose legislation modernizing podiatrists' scope of practice in Massachusetts. AAOS has provided grant funding to the Massachusetts Orthopaedic Association to oppose the legislation and characterized the lack of legislative progress as a success.
APMA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to its Request for Information on Fraud Defense Contracts. The comments urge CMS to involve physicians with relevant specialty expertise, including podiatric physicians, in clinical reviews and medical necessity determinations.
APMA is profoundly disappointed by the decision by CMS to move forward with a 20-percent reduction in payment for certain services reported on the same day with Modifier 25. The arbitrary cut, which was included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule released on November 4, will harm physician practices and restrict patient access to needed care.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) payment adjustment information for the 2025 performance period, which determines adjustments to Medicare payments in 2027.
On October 21, APMA joined fellow member organizations of the Alliance for Gout Awareness (AGA) for its annual stakeholder meeting. The meeting brought together patient advocates, clinicians, pharmaceutical industry representatives, and policy professionals to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce stigma, improve gout education, and address barriers to care.
APMA submitted comments to the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding improvements to the ICD-10-CM coding system for diabetic foot ulcers.
CMS recently announced the release of Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance feedback and final scores for the 2025 performance year. Clinicians who believe their final score was calculated incorrectly may now request a targeted review.
APMA recently submitted comments in response to the request for information from the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) on opportunities to reform private health insurance.
APMA is investigating reports from members in several states that Anthem is seeking repayment of previously paid commercial claims for foot orthotics, including claims dating back to 2024.
APMA advocacy has helped secure an important coverage change to five final Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) local coverage determinations (LCDs) for peripheral nerve injections and procedures for chronic pain.
APMA submitted comprehensive comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, advocating for policies that support podiatric practices and protect patient access to care
On September 5, APMA submitted comments on a proposed DME MAC Local Coverage Determination (LCD) addressing Medicare coverage of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for certain nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.
APMA’s strong, sustained advocacy stopped a concerning Regence BlueShield Modifier 25 reimbursement policy from taking effect. After APMA raised significant concerns and actively pressed Regence to reconsider the change, Regence announced that it will not implement the policy, which had been scheduled to take effect September 1.
APMA recently sought clarification from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding how its revised Community Provider Standard for Orthotic, Prosthetic, and Pedorthic Devices (OPPD) applies to podiatric physicians.
Today, APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM; APMA CEO Meghan McClelland; and members of the APMA advocacy team met directly with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials to urge the agency to withdraw its proposed 50 percent payment cut for certain same-day services reported with Modifier 25.
In a new short video, Danielle Butto, DPM, shares national data on on-call compensation for podiatric physicians and lessons from her own experience successfully advocating for compensation. She discusses the importance of collecting hospital-specific data, demonstrating the value DPMs bring to their hospitals, working together with colleagues, and approaching negotiations strategically.
CMS recently shared two updates related to Quality Payment Program participation.